Tonight`s Special: A Lawsuit

May 31, 1992

DUBLIN — A food writer in Ireland has been grilled by the courts for her scorching restaurant review.

A regional circuit court judge in Dublin told Sandy O`Byrne, Irish Times restaurant reviewer, that her critique of Daniel`s Restaurant was unfairly negative, and that one visit to the eatery was not enough on which to base an opinion.

The Irish Times was ordered to pay to the restaurant owner the equivalent of $26,600 in damages for libel, plus court costs.

The judge says O`Byrne should have complained about the meal at the time of the dinner. But Irish Times managing editor David Nowlan says, ``Would a drama critic rush around during intermission to give his opinion to the director and cast in the hope they improve in the second half?`` The newspaper is appealing the court`s decision.